CONGRESSIONAL CONSUMER AND CIVIL JUSTICE
(Formerly CIVIL JUSTICE AND NATIONAL ADVOCACY)
(Spring Semester, 2 credits)
THIS CLINICAL COURSE PROVIDES NYLS STUDENTS THE OPPORTUNITY TO:
Work directly with the Center for Justice & Democracy, a national public interest organization that works to ensure access to the civil justice/tort system for everyday people. CJ&D’s work includes testifying before Congress and in state capitols; producing cutting-edge materials including law review articles; White Papers and studies; old and new media outreach and; working directly with plaintiff attorneys and injury victims.
Enhance your knowledge, experience and credentials while gaining valuable persuasive writing skills. Students work on both short-term and long-term advocacy projects focusing on key issues impacting our civil justice system.
Students may prepare legislative memos for Congress; submit comments to federal agencies; prepare and distribute materials to congressional leaders and state legislators; work with plaintiff firms to identify injury victims; contribute to social media and blogs; and more.
Past student projects have covered a wide range of issues, including: driverless cars; sexual harassment and arbitration; drug industry liability; class actions; medical malpractice; asbestos harm; student loans; Americans with Disabilities Act; worker safety; nursing home abuse; emergency room negligence; asbestos; governmental immunity; human rights abuses; sports injuries; access to counsel; the insurance industry; judicial elections; environmental issues like hydro-fracking; state legislative campaigns; attacks on state Attorney Generals; and product safety.
Students learn how to frame issues and gain valuable career skills in fields like research, writing, communication, and presentation. Student papers may join CJ&D’s list of national publications that are widely distributed to opinion leaders, public officials, journalists, and organizations across the country.
Make valuable career contracts with the plaintiffs' trial bar, state and national organizations, and participate in roundtable discussions with guest speakers. Students hear from prominent guest speakers discussing different aspects of these issues, and have the chance to network and make important career contacts through CJ&D staff, guest speakers, and interviews with attorneys related to individual research. Students take part in roundtable discussions with CJ&D staff on current issues facting the civil justice system and "tort reform."
Students will be invited to participate in a day-trip to Washington DC to experience Congress first-hand, including visits to the offices of national lawmakers and lobbyists.
LEARN MORE ABOUT CJ&D: centerjd.org.
The Center for Justice & Democracy is the only national consumer organization in the country exclusively dedicated to protecting our civil justice system. If you'd like more information, please contact us.
